Chef

Busy Bees In Portishead; Biggleswade; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Biggleswade is seeking a passionate Chef to prepare nutritious meals that support children's growth and development. This role involves managing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety compliance, and maintaining inventory. Ideal candidates will hold a Food Hygiene Certificate and have experience in catering. Join a supportive team that values your contribution to children's well-being and offers opportunities for professional development. Flexible working options are available including part-time and full-time contracts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Discounts through 'Hive' benefits

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Financial support through Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Understanding and empathy towards children's dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? As a Chef at Busy Bees, you’ll be a key part of our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the wellbeing of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Join our committed team at Busy Bees in Biggleswade, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 112 children. Our dedicated staff, some of whom have been with us for over 12 years, prioritize the best interests of all children and their families. We maintain strong links with the local community, collaborating to provide the highest quality care and education. Conveniently located just a 15-20 minute walk from the town center and close to bus stops and train stations, our nursery is easily accessible. We offer free parking and are near a local gym, swimming pool, and various shops, enhancing our community engagement. Flexible working options are available, including a four-day working pattern and part-time as well as full-time contracts. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education within a supportive and community-focused environment.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 25% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

We also offer access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, providing discounts, a Wellbeing Hub, and opportunities for development and recognition to support you to thrive at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Ideal Candidate

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.

If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and maybe you have experience as Chef, an Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a cafe apply now!